Universal Studios Hollywood Spills Details on the New 60th Anniversary Studio Tour.

This year marks the 60^th anniversary of Universal Studios Hollywood’s Studio Tour I feel fortunate enough to have experienced the tour four times in my lifetime and have seen the many changes to it over the years. Way back, when there was only one Universal Studios Theme Park and it was very different back then. Unlike today, there were no rides to speak of, but I didn’t care. Sure, there were dull moments for a little guy like me, but I only have fond memories. I was introduced to the world of moviemaking. Today, I think too many families are in a rush to experience the world of Harry Potter or Super Nintendo World, but this is where it all began. I would love to go back for the 60^th celebration because its sound like it’s going to great.

The creepy house from Alfred Hitchcock’s *Psycho*. *(Universal Studios Hollywood)*

“The Studio Tour is a crown jewel in our theme park portfolio and a beloved attraction for millions of guests,” says Scott Strobl, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Universal Studios Hollywood. “We are thrilled and honored to share our enthusiasm for its historic relevance with guests both new to the experience as well as those who have journeyed with us along the way.”

The Flash Flood scene. *(Universal Studios Hollywood)*

Universal estimates that over 200 million guests have ridden the tram tour over the past 60 years, many of which rode in the red and white-striped “Glamor Trams.” This summer, they are coming back. In fact, a fully restored 1964 Glamor Tram will be on hand to explore during a brand-new stop. In the old, two-hour tours, guests would step off the trams along the way to explore sound stages. However, in the modern one-hour version of the tour, guests don’t step off the tram until the tour is over – but not this year.

Visit a real movie set. *(Universal Studios Hollywood)*

One of the highlights of the 60^th anniversary tour is a stop where guests will step off tram onto a legendary movie set. (The press release doesn’t say which one, but chances are good that it will be the Psycho House, which was the very first set for guests to see up close in 1964.) Additional photo ops during the stop include a giant King Kong backdrop and the park’s original hanging Jaws shark (making it look like you just caught him at Amity Island) just like the old days.

On the way to Jaws Lake. *(Universal Studios Hollywood)*

While traveling through the historic backlot, guests will experience the return of the Runaway Train (from 1976) where warning bells and sirens go off just as the tram swiftly goes by. Universal promises that “additional surprises from a time long gone will make a cameo appearance” and “moments of nostalgia will also be featured aboard the tram’s monitors.”

Jaws Lake *(Universal Studios Hollywood)*

Over by Courthouse Square, where scenes from Back to the Future was shot, an original time machine from the movie will be on display. A Tyrannosaurus rex dinosaur display used in the promotion of Universal Pictures’ Jurassic World movie will also be on hand.

One the attraction’s most incredible scenes, Earthquake: The Big One from 1989 has been fully restored updating and renovated with new contemporary technology and aesthetics to better mimic events taking place during an 8.3 magnitude earthquake. Rumor has it that it was getting a little tired in its old age, so this will be a pleasant surprise. Keep in mind, not every scene along the way is this up to date. Jaws Lake has always been a little cheesy, but it is a crowd favorite and still a lot of fun. Other sights to see along the way include a Flash Flood, Jaws Lake, King Kong 3-D, Fast & Furious – Supercharged and a set from Jupiter’s Claim from Nope.

60th Anniversary merchandise modeled by people who look happier than they need to be. *(Universal Studios Hollywood)*

The park is also partnering with the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce who will have set up a first-ever replica of the famed Hollywood sign. However, while the original stands at 45 feet, the replica is just 10 feet tall, but still plenty big for great photos.

A new dining pass has been created for the celebration which includes six menu items (a choice of two entrees and a choice of four sides, desserts or beverages during the day. And of course, there will be plenty of themed merch and snacks too. But the item the park hopes people will take home with them will be a popcorn bucket shaped as a Glamor Tram with Woody Woodpecker as the driver.